Rajndera Sadashiv Nikalje alias 'Chhota Rajan', 55, the boss of a major crime syndicate based in India, was arrested on Sunday with the help of Interpol.

He was on the run for two decades. The Interpol flagged him as a wanted man back in 1995. Wanted for a series of murders in India, Rajan was arrested as he arrived in the popular resort island of Bali from Sydney. Earlier in the day, confusion prevailed over news of his arrest.

A spokesperson for Australian Federal Police said Interpol in Canberra had alerted Indonesian authorities who apprehended Nikalje at the request of Indian authorities.

The Federal Police confirmed last month that Nikalje was living in Australia under another identity and had been in discussions with Indian authorities, the spokesperson said, but would not provide further details.